Russia enters quarters; France stays unbeaten

BYDGOSZCZ, Poland – Center Timofey Mozgov had 25 points and 11 rebounds to lead defending champion Russia past Macedonia, 71-69, and into the quarterfinals of the European basketball championship.

Macedonia had a chance to tie the game in the closing seconds after Russia threw the ball away with 5.9 seconds to play. But Macedonia guard Dimitar Mirakovski’s runner in the lane bounced out at the buzzer and Russia hung on for the win, despite shooting just 1 of 15 from behind the arc.

“We needed to look really far down deep in ourselves to win that ballgame because it was looking pretty bleak,” Russia coach David Blatt said. “But in the end, we found it, and I am proud of what we have done and am looking forward to next stage.”

Power forward Pero Antic scored 19 points and pulled down 10 boards to lead Macedonia, which was eliminated with the loss.

Macedonia coach Jovica Arsic said his team couldn’t find an answer for Mozgov in the paint.

“We had a lot of problems stopping Mozgov on his offensive rebounds,” Arsic said. “We played tough for 40 minutes. But the better team is going to the quarterfinals.”

In another Group E matchup, France beat Greece, 71-69, on a jumper at the buzzer by reserve guard Nando De Colo to stay unbeaten in the tournament.

De Colo, who was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 2009, hit two free throws to put France ahead 69-66 with 20 seconds to play. Greece guard Vasileios Spanoulis then drained a 3-pointer with 8 seconds left to tie it up before De Colo’s winner as time expired. (AP)